The 2002 Lafleur is a charming vintage and is maturing better than the 2003 or 2004. Quite concentrated for the vintage, it has wonderful detail and delineation, conservative like many 2002s but it conveys energy and tension. The palate is well balanced with fine tannins. This is, again, a Lafleur that plays it safe, but I appreciate the linearity and freshness that urges you back for more. This is drinking beautifully right now but will continue to mature in bottle. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon's 40-Year vertical in Austria.

Somewhat of a revelation in a vintage that was obviously difficult in this appellation, Lafleur's 2002 represents the essence of old vines with structured, deep, concentrated flavours. This medium-bodied, dense ruby/purple coloured effort exhibits impressive purity as well as a persistent, long palate offering a kiss of sweet kirsch and licorice. Some jagged tannin needs to be resolved if this wine is to merit a score in the low nineties. However it will be very long lived, especially for a Pomerol. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025

Good ruby-tinged red. Wild aromas of smoked meat, chocolate, pepper, flowers and earth, with some minty and herbal high tones. Moderately rich but dry, with the wine's herbal, minty side giving lift to the low-toned flavors. Not especially wild or rustic; in fact, this comes across as a rather polite Lafleur. Finishes with dusty tannins.

An austerely-styled Lafleur, the 2002 possesses high tannin, a dark ruby/purple color, an angular personality, sweet mineral-infused black cherry fruit, dusty tannins, and considerable grip and structure. There is a certain nobility to the aromatics and flavors, but the dry, hard tannins are cause for concern. Keep a rabbit’s foot in your back pocket if you are going to buy this wine, as I have severe reservations about whether it will ever come into balance. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016?